Lose Weight for Better Asthma Control

The possible link between asthma and obesity has been studied extensively. Most studies have validated that link, though one recent one shed some doubt on the association between being overweight and having asthma symptoms.

However, new findings released at the recent annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology indicated that even a 5-pound weight shift could have significant impact on your degree of asthma control.

Since many Americans, including children, are overweight these days, this is important information to have. Here's an overview of the findings about people who had gained 5 pounds in 12 months. They had:

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Poorer asthma control

Worse quality of life

Increased use of steroid medicines

That was in comparison to people who'd maintained a steady healthy weight or who had lost weight in the last 12 months.

These findings were from analyzing data from 2,396 adult patients who had been part of The Epidemiology and Natural History of Asthma: Outcomes and Treatment Regimens (TENOR) study. This study is a 3-year, observational study of 4,700 people throughout the US who have severe or difficult-to-treat asthma.

Researchers emphasized that asthma treatment programs should include weight control as a routine part of the plan. So, if you are overweight and having difficulty bringing your asthma under control, losing as little as 5 to 10 pounds might have tremendous positive effects.

I know that's something I'll focus on as part of my 2008 New Year's Resolutions!